If the ear canal is severely swollen, an ear wick may be inserted to facilitate the delivery of topical medications (3). The wick may be commercially prepared from a hard sponge material that expands when wet. After the placement of the wick in the ear canal (a process that, unfortunately, causes brief but significant discomfort), the topical antibiotic drops are placed on the external end of the wick to be carried into the recesses of the ear canal. This is done two to four times daily, depending on the recommended dosing frequency for the medication. The wick may fall out as the edema decreases. In any case, it should be removed after 2-3
